1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

What is the inverter pump coolant reservoir for?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by wbs887700, Mar 16, 2021.

  1. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2020
    74
    15
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but what exactly does the coolant in this reservoir go to? Is it the same coolant that goes through the radiator? does the pump directly below this reservoir simply pump the coolant through the radiator? Or is the coolant for something completely different?

    Coolant is leaking somewhere oh, I don't know where, and I have to top off this reservoir a few times a month. I need to know if this reservoir is connected to the regular radiator/cooling system of the car. I don't ever have to top off the other reservoir with coolant, only this reservoir, and I don't know why. 320458575.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #1 wbs887700, Mar 16, 2021
  2. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2009
    1,389
    948
    4
    Location:
    Foot of Pikes Peak
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Limited
    Prius has 2 separate cooling systems. Both go through the radiator, but separate sections.

    One for the gas engine and one for the inverter which is a pretty large box like structure (to the right of the reservoir in your photo) that has electronics that convert to and from A/C and D/C current and different voltages. Each system has it's own pump to circulate the coolant. Operation of the inverter is crucial for the Prius to run. You can't let that overheat which can happen quickly if your coolant runs out or your pump fails. Replacing the pump is relatively inexpensive, replacing the inverter is not. So, you should get it checked ASAP.
     
    #2 royrose, Mar 16, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2021
  3. wbs887700

    wbs887700 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2020
    74
    15
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Okay thank you. If I have to top off the reservoir for the inverter coolant regularly, does that mean the leak isnt with the other coolant circuit (for the engine)? So basically, they aren't connected at all?

    Also, does the inverter pump run through the bottom part of the radiator by any chance? there's a pink spot at the bottom of my radiator where my Prius was dented in from a tree stump, I'm wondering if that's where the leak is?

    KIMG0013.JPG KIMG0011.JPG KIMG0014.JPG

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 wbs887700, Mar 16, 2021
  4. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2009
    1,389
    948
    4
    Location:
    Foot of Pikes Peak
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Limited
    Yes, they are completely separate circuits. And I believe the inverter coolant goes through the lower radiator section, so that could be it.
     
    #4 royrose, Mar 16, 2021
    Mendel Leisk and wbs887700 like this.
  5. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    7,510
    3,773
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Yes, it does, so you have found your leak.
     
    #5 dolj, Mar 16, 2021
    Mendel Leisk and wbs887700 like this.
  6. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2016
    6,102
    5,812
    0
    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    well, here I was, enjoying a quick glance through the new forum posts, when I happened upon this thread. A basic question asked by the OP and typically a bit confusing for a first time owner. The only part that caught me off guard was the last 2 photos of post #3. Didn't see that coming.... I just about choked and sprayed my drink on the screen. :eek: As @dolj mentioned, I believe you have found your leak...…...
     
    #6 TMR-JWAP, Mar 17, 2021
    wbs887700 likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)